University of Cambridge, Institute of Public Health, Public Health and Primary Care, Strangeways Laboratories, Worts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN

1a: Chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and diabetic eye disease are the most common causes of blindness in Caucasian populations, responsible for over 70% of visual impairment certifications in >65 year olds in UK. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with visual impairment (VI) and higher frequency of eye disease and risk factors. We aim to examine the relationship between SES and chronic eye diseases in the Biobank cohort and elicit potential underlying mechanisms such as the role of lifestyle risk factors in order to inform future interventions to reduce eye health inequalities.

1b: This research will contribute to prevention and treatment of eye diseases by increasing understanding of underlying mechanisms that mediate the relationship between socioeconomic status and chronic eye diseases and visual impairment. This investigation into potential factors such as smoking, diet and physical activity could lead to interventions that target groups at risk of sight loss.

1c: We will use statistical analysis to examine which socioeconomic status (SES) factors are associated with increased risk of macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma. We will also create a self-reported age-related macular degeneration (srAMD) variable to look at associations with AMD. We will also investigate which lifestyle factors are associated with chronic eye diseases. Using results from the initial investigation of key SES factors, we will also explore how these relate to lifestyle risk factors associated with eye disease.